In what order do I do things?

[LadyMaryofDownton]

So I've finally decided to start writing my stories. However; I am really confused as to what order to do things.

Do I; start writing then worry about pictures, then publishing etc

Or

Do I; find out about publishing then start writing & then pictures.

I really am going round in circles with this so any help would be much appreciated.

What kind of stories? Is this an illustrated children's book?

Write/pictures before publishing if mass market. If specialist, then publishing first.

In terms of pictures or writing first, whichever works best for you.

Good luck!

The Writer's and Artist's Yearbook id a good reference for finding out who publishes what and the process.

There is a specific children's version, if that's what you're interested in, iirc.

Are you an author-illustrator or an author?

If you want to write picture books, you need to get the text right before approaching a publisher. They will sort out the illustrator. Unless you also illustrate, in which case the process is slightly different.

I always say this, but it's worth joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to learn about the industry and network.

Thanks for all your replies, I'll look into all your suggestions. I plan on writing short children's stories which will need a lot of pictures I assume. I also hope to self publish (because I think this might be easier which is why I feel so confused about the whole thing.

Why not write the stories first and then decide how to publish?

Self publishing isn't necessarily easier - there's less of a barrier to entry but you have to do everything (and pay for everything) yourself. I'd imagine marketing is also very hard work.

I got my book published by sending it in to publishers' slush piles. It does happen!